Square Survey Reveals How Americans Plan to Shop - And Want To Pay - This Holiday Season

Business Wire 5-Nov-2018 12:52 PM

61% of consumers indicate they would feel more comfortable spending more this holiday season if they knew they would have the ability to pay for purchases over time

Today Square released new insights on holiday spending and shopper expectations around payment options at businesses. The survey of 2,000 Americans found that shoppers plan to spend around $1,300 this holiday season and that the flexibility to pay over time can make a difference in where they plan to shop. The survey also found that consumers indicate shopping at small businesses is top of mind all year round, making it important for businesses to have the right tools in place to accept any way a customer wants to pay any time, including the holiday season.

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"We know that consumers prefer to support small businesses whenever they can, and we want to make sure this holiday season is no exception," said Jacqueline Reses, Head of Square Capital. "We're excited to see what a level playing field can do for small business sales now that more sellers have access to financing options that provide flexibility to their shoppers."

The survey also revealed that customers may be more apt to frequent a brick and mortar location this holiday season to make a large purchase, with 72% of consumers preferring to shop in person for purchases over $250. Additional survey findings that provide insight into the 2018 holiday season include:

• The majority of consumers (84%) indicate they prefer to support small businesses whenever they can
• Almost half (45%) of consumers anticipate making a large purchase during the upcoming holiday season (spending over $250+ on a single item)
• Over half (56%) will begin shopping before Thanksgiving and of those, 23% started their shopping by August of this year
• 61% of consumers indicate they would feel more comfortable spending more this holiday season if they knew they would have the ability to pay for purchases over time
• In fact, 68% indicate they would be more likely to consider a small or local business if they offered financing options

During the holidays and all year round, Square is a partner to small business owners across the country, providing access to the tools they need to never miss a sale. In October, Square launched Square Installments, providing small businesses with access to a powerful growth tool that enables their customers to pay for purchases in fixed, monthly payments. Business owners can find a wealth of information and resources on how to start, run, and grow their business on Square's Town Square Blog.

Sources

The Square Capital Consumer Shopping Survey statistics are based on an online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults over the age of 18, conducted August 15-20, 2018 by Square Capital, LLC. Results are weighted to approximate demographic representation in line with the United States Census Bureau 2017 Current Population Survey. The study has an overall margin of error of ±2.19% at the 95% level of confidence.

About Square, Inc.

Square, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) creates tools that help sellers start, run, and grow their businesses. Square enables sellers to accept card payments and also provides reporting and analytics, next-day settlement, and chargeback protection. Square's point-of-sale software and other business services help sellers manage inventory, locations, and employees; access financing; engage buyers; build a website or online store; and grow sales. The Cash App is an easy way to send, spend, and receive money, and Caviar is a food-ordering platform. Square was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Ireland, and the UK.

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